Brian Hobbie

 If the talent present at the Prep Baseball Report Junior High Showcase was any indication, then the future is bright in Illinois baseball. Players from all over convened at the Max-McCook Athletic & Exposition Center to show what they can do. And what they did was mighty impressive.

 

These players are still very early in their development, but we’re guess you’ll be reading about them in the coming years. A look at the top players at the event:

 

1.) Brian Hobbie, RHP/3B, Class of 2014: The 6-foot-2, 155-pound Hobbie has a lean, athletic pitcher’s frame and is as projectable as they come. On the mound he has clean arm action with good late acceleration through the ball, creating arm-side run on his 77 mph fastball. His curveball has tight rotation and late two-plane break. At the plate Hobbie has plus power potential, using a short swing with excellent barrel whip. Hobbie will play his high school ball at Chatham Glenwood, which is perennially one of the best teams in the state.

 

 

Andy Kantor

2.) Andy Kantor, RHP/SS, Class of 2014: Kantor is an athletic 5-foot-10, 152-pound two-way talent. On the mound he possesses a loose,  whippy arm, consistently repeating his delivery with good extension and life on his 75-mph fastball. The Buffalo Grove native has feel for all three of his pitches, throwing them with consistent arm speed and slot.  At the plate he has a balanced rotational approach with good bat speed and an economical swing path that allows him to spray line drives to all fields. As one of the event’s best athletes, Kantor also ran an impressive 7.3 60, and moved well laterally in the infield.

 

3.) Aaron Fuller, OF/3B, Class of 2014: As the event’s best athlete, Fuller ran an impressive 7.24 60. Fuller is a solidly built 5-foot-10, 160-pounder who showed excellent athleticism in everything he did. He was especially impressive in the outfield, where he moves fluidly and showcased a strong, accurate arm. At third base he possesses a quick release, soft hands, and a solid transfer. Fuller was also impressive at the plate, staying inside the ball nicely and using his quick hands to create plus bat speed. From Chicago, Fuller attends Morgan Park Academy.

 

 4.) Belgee Falkner, C, Class of 2014: The 6-foot, 190-pound Falkner is a physical, switch-hitting catcher with a natural feel for the game. He showcased soft hands with above average arm strength and accuracy. His best pop time was an impressive 2.01. At the plate, he has natural power from both sides, 

Aaron Fuller

consistently barreling line drives with solid backspin carry. Falkner will attend Mount Carmel HS next year.

 

5.) Chris Pedrak, 3B/RHP, Class of 2014: The 5-foot-8, 156-pound Pedrak has a polished fundamental skill set which allows him to excel in all aspects of his game. At the plate, he uses a balanced rotational approach to consistently make solid contact. At third base the Woodridge native showcased excellent footwork, soft hands, and a quick release. Pedrak also performed well on the mound, touching 69 with feel for three pitches.

 

6.) Rahman Williams, SS/RHP, Class of 2014: Williams is a high-ceiling athlete who impressed in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-8, 165-pounder opened eyes with his switch-hitting abilities. Williams has excellent mechanical feel from both  sides of the plate. He has a short swing path with good balance and extension through the ball, which he used to shoot line drives to all fields. He was equally impressive at shortstop, where he showcased plus infield actions, extremely quick feet and transfer, along with a solid arm. Williams lives in Chicago.

 

Many other players showed extremely well at the event as well. To view all showcase statistics, Click Here.